Wireless child communication device

ABSTRACT

A wireless child phone that includes means for making calls to only a preset set of individuals and/or means for receiving calls from only a preset set of individuals.

[0001] Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/401,748 filed on Aug. 8, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to improvements in wireless communications, such as telephones. The preferred embodiments are explained in the attachments. Embodiments of the invention may be constructed using known technologies, such as various technologies employed in existing telephone systems, such as that by SPRINT, QUALCOM, PALM and many other wireless telephone, wireless Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) and the like. In some embodiments, technology employed in the JPHONE wireless devices can be employed—e.g., such devices having recently become popular in JAPAN, for example. In that regard, some illustrative devices are shown in the attached documents (see above Provisional Application). The present invention may employ technology within such and other devices, such as underlying communications structures and such as various features disclosed in such materials.

[0003] Description Related to, E.G., FIG. 1:

[0004]FIG. 1 shows a front view of a wireless phone according to some illustrative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of keys (six in the illustrated embodiment) are shown. Here, the keys are limited and programmed to call specific individual and/or a specific group of individuals (i.e., conference-calling or multi-way calls—such as, e.g., shown at “both” which can be, e.g., a conference call to both the “mom” and “dad” or the like). Preferably, the keys have pictures such as photographs designating callee to facilitate use by non-reading children.

[0005] In some examples, pictures can be located physically on the keys and/or can be displayed on a screen. In some embodiments, the keys can be provided on a touch screen in which a user can physically to an image on the screen. In some embodiments, images on the screen can be replaced, such as, e.g., by taking a digital photograph with the camera and storing the same for display at a location on the touch screen.

[0006] Description Related to, E.G., FIG. 2:

[0007]FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a wireless phone with a display screen located proximate keys of the phone. For example, the display can be used to display a picture to be shown. In addition, the display can be used as a video phone display. In addition, the display can be used to display a digitally stored picture upon clicking a button or key—such as, e.g., displaying an entered electronic photograph to help a user identify a key to push.

[0008] In some embodiments, a common telephone (e.g., having a common key pad with digits 0-9 and * and # keys could be modified to incorporate features described herein. For example, a cover plate can be provided over a common phone that covers one or more button to present only buttons or keys for use by child. This could even be applied to a normal phone so as to reveal, for example, only a few keys. In this manner, some embodiments of the invention could be employed by readily modifying existing phones.

[0009] Description Related to, E.G., FIG. 3:

[0010]FIG. 3 shows embodiments including a camera lens, a display and/or video portion for visual display of digitally stored images and/or video, a plurality of keys (six in the illustrated embodiment), and a protective rubber or foam rubber or the like shroud around a perimeter to protect the telephone upon dropping the same. In some preferred embodiments, the rubber can be a substantial thickness in proportion to the dimension of the telephone, such as, e.g., about the thickness shown.

FEATURES IN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS:

[0011] Emergency Key Function:

[0012] In some illustrative embodiments, one key labeled “emergency” can be set to call a preset emergency number. In some embodiments, the number called can be a call to 911. In some embodiments, the number called can be a conference call to Mom and Dad. And, in some embodiments, if no answer is made by either Mom or Dad, the call will preferably be rolled over or forwarded to 911 as back-up (e.g., within a preset time as would be understood based on this disclosure). In some embodiments, this key can establish a conference call to Mom and Dad and other(s) and, preferably, if there is no answer by any, it can be made to call to 911. In some embodiments, the call can be a conference call to each of Mom and Dad and 911 (in some embodiments, others could be conferenced in too).

[0013] Conference calls to 911 and to other individuals could help ensure that improper calls to 911 are avoided and/or thwarted. In some embodiments, a parent or the like could be able to remotely control the telephone (e.g., by pressing a particular key on the parent's phone during a call to cause the telephone to perform a function, such as, e.g.: a) to automatically disconnect [e.g., which a call is wrongly made to 911], b) to send a digital photograph [e.g., to the parent's phone and/or to a number, URL or email address, such as, e.g., if the phone is web enabled pre-identified and/or programmed by keys at the parent's phone and/or via an internet web site or the like], c) or other function.]).

[0014] In some embodiments, such as, e.g., addressed below, a central service can establish an independent emergency number that can be used to pre-screen emergency calls from the child phone. For example, this could be a telephone number established by the issuer of the child phone. In some embodiments, this number could even be a confidential number that is merely stored in the child's phone so as to inhibit contact be other individuals and limit undesired use other than with the child's phone.

[0015] Camera Function:

[0016] In some embodiments, a camera function can be provided. In some embodiments, the phone itself can include a key for pressing to send a picture. In some embodiments, the picture can sent via e-mail and/or one can otherwise transmit a picture. In some embodiments, this can enable sending of picture to, e.g., Mom, Dad, Other and/or Emergency e-mail addresses. For example, in some embodiments, a user (e.g., a child) can press a picture button and have a picture in que and then sent upon clicking a button for a respective callee (e.g. Mom, Dad, Other, and/or Emergency callees). In some embodiments, Mom, Dad and/other and/or Emergency System Personel (e.g., if a system is set up to monitor, e.g., the child using the phone) can send A) automatic e-mail photo request whereby the child's phone is called and a photo is automatically sent to requested location.

[0017] Calling/Receiving Features:

[0018] In preferred embodiments, the child phone can receive calls only by: Mom, Dad, Other and/or Emergency callers. As would be understood based on this disclosure, by way of example, a caller ID function could be used that merely allows calls from a few preset numbers applicable to specific callees. In some examples, a system can be established to help locate children or the like (e.g., such as, e.g., which may manage a large number of child phone users or all child phone users simultaneously). In some cases, the phone can have buttons flash (or otherwise be visibly indicated) for who is calling and the child can readily press a respective button to answer the phone. In some cases, the child can readily answer by pressing a single answer button (preferably, the identity of the caller will be visible identified to the child).

[0019] In some cases, the apparatus can have an automatic answer at the child's phone. Preferably, in these instances, the child phone will have a speaker or page feature so that the callee can page thru such that parent or the like is audible to child without child answering.

[0020] Preferably, a parent or the like controls child's phone unit, such as by entering information on a website and/or even by calling the child's phone directly and entering a password and getting menu options. For instance, the parent and/or the like can preferably change numbers that the child's phone would call for various key entries—such as, e.g., MOM, DAD, OTHER, ETC. (e.g., this would be unnoticed by child that would reach parent no matter what). Also, preferably a parent could change buttons to generate multiple calls (i.e., conference multiple numbers) to reach the parent, such as by calling home, office, cell phone and/or other numbers concurrently to attempt to reach that parent.

[0021] Thus, the cell phone would preferably be remotely programmable. In some embodiments, the child's phone could be programmed directly (such as by including a removable plate that covers a key pad or the like). However, it is preferably remotely programmed.

[0022] Description Related to, E.G., FIG. 4:

[0023] In some embodiments, the child phone can have a cover or lid. Preferably, upon opening the cover, the phone can power to an active mode. In some embodiments, the child can then verbally call by saying, e.g., a parents name.

[0024] In some embodiments, a call will automatically be made upon opening the cover or lid. In some embodiments, a call will automatically be made to one individual or group, unless w/in a predetermined time (e.g., 5-10 seconds) entry is made to make a call to another individual or group. For example, if a child opens the phone, a call could automatically be directed to a MOM and/or DAD, unless the child identifies another particular number.

[0025] In some embodiments, the parent can select one or more “other” key for the child to call. Here, for example, a child may be able to call a care giver, a friend of the child (perhaps on another child phone), and/or any other desired individual. Preferably, the child will have a small number of “other” callee keys (such as, e.g., only one key as shown in some of the figures).

[0026] In some embodiments, a necklass can be used to support the phone so as to rest or attach to a child's chest region facing outward in normal use. In other embodiments, the phone can include a holder that is clipped to a child's clothing and the phone can be removed therefrom. In some embodiments, the phone is on a short retract-able chord connected to the holder. The chord is preferably too short to extend around a child's neck, but long enough to bring phone into view. In some embodiments, the phone includes a camera facing outwards in normal use (e.g., when worn). In some embodiments, the phone can be programmed to send images to another phone or to a server (such as, e.g., a server communicating via the Internet) or the like (such as when requested via a parent's phone or the like).

[0027] In some embodiments, the camera lens is mounted in normal use on a child so as to face outward and thus provide outward images. In some embodiments, the lid includes a window or opening to enable camera to view therethrough. In some embodiments, when a child picks up the phone during use, the camera will face the child and thus take images of the child's face. In some embodiments, the camera can provide a wide angle image (or a wide angle image lens can be included) to ensure a wide view for discerning environment. The wide view is preferably over 90 degrees and more preferably over 120 degrees and more preferably near 180 degrees or more (possibly over 270 degrees for example) in one or preferably in two coordinate directions. While a wide angle image may be undesirable in other contexts since it may not create an aesthetically pleasant image, it can be advantageous as a monitoring tool.

[0028] Known Wireless Communications:

[0029] As would be understood based on this disclosure, the child phone would include features inherent in wireless phone technology, such as, e.g., receiving modules, transmission modules, processors, etc. Embodiments of the invention can include, e.g., appropriate communications technology as shown, e.g., the following patents, depending on circumstances, the entire disclosures of which patents are incorporated herein by reference.

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BROAD SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0130] While some illustrative embodiments are shown, it is contemplated that various other embodiments and modifications can be made as would be apparent to those in the art based on this disclosure. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments pertain to general concepts that can easily be implemented by those in the art using technology known in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless child phone, comprising: a) a handheld phone unit with a user interface having keys and/or voice receivers; b) means for making calls to only a preset set of individuals; and/or c) means for receiving calls from only a preset set of individuals.
 2. The wireless child phone of claim 1, wherein said means a) includes a plurality of keys configured to call a preset set of callees.
 3. The wireless child phone of claim 2, wherein said set includes the child's parents.
 4. The wireless child phone of claim 3, wherein said set includes a preset other callee identified by the parent.
 5. The wireless child phone of claim 1, wherein said child phone is remotely programmed via an external telephone and/or via an Internet Web Site, for setting callee numbers and/or for setting numbers that can call to said child phone.
 6. The wireless child phone of claim 1, wherein said child phone is programmed via a key pad that is locked in normal use.
 7. The wireless child phone of claim 1, wherein the phone is also a wireless handheld child communication device, comprising: i. means for connecting to the Internet via browser software; and ii. means for limiting site access to a number of preset URLs and/or Web Sites; and/or iii. means for limiting email communications to only a preset set of individuals; and/or iv. means for receiving e-mails from only a preset set of individuals.
 8. A wireless handheld child communication device, comprising: a) means for connecting to the Internet via browser software; and i. means for limiting site access to a number of preset URLs and/or Web Sites; and/or ii. means for limiting email communications to only a preset set of individuals; and/or iii. means for receiving e-mails from only a preset set of individuals. 